Instant Pot Bacon Chicken Ranch Baked Potato Casserole
Instant Pot Bacon Chicken Ranch Baked Potato Casserole is a quick and easy pressure cooker recipe with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Instant Pot Bacon Chicken Ranch Baked Potato Casserole is a quick and easy pressure cooker recipe with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp chives
- 16 oz skinless chicken breasts
- 3 slices uncured, nitrate-free bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 6 red potatoes (medium sized and cut into chunks)
- 1/2 cup plain, non-fat greek yogurt
- 1 cup reduced fat cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 2 tbsp green onions (chopped)
- 3/4 packet ranch seasoning (i used hidden valley)
- mccormick's grill mates chicken seasoning to tast
- Carbohydrate 0.353110499947777 g
- Cholesterol 58.7173398762162 mg
- Fat 3.71017532722609 g
- Fiber 0.172080006378259 g
- Protein 21.3790263780985 g
- Saturated Fat 1.79770196450958 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (119g)
- Sodium 145.652422638299 mg
- Sugar 0.181030493569519 g
- Trans Fat 0.47336921399264 g
- Calories 125 calories
Step-by-step
- Add the olive oil to the pot. You can also use cooking spray.
- Turn the Instant Pot on the saute function.
- Season the chicken breasts.
- Saute the chicken for 2 minutes on each side until the chicken turns white.
- Add the potato chunks and chicken broth to the Instant Pot with the chicken breasts.
- Put the lid on the pot and adjust the settings to the Manual 10 minutes.
- When the pot beeps allow the Instant Pot to release steam on its own without quick release for 10 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pot. Using two knives or a knife and fork, shred the chicken. Set aside.
- Mash the potatoes with a hand mixer or a potato masher inside the pot.
- Add the remaining ingredients and the chicken to the pot, except for the cheeses. Only add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese here. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Spray a baking pan with cooking spray. Add the mixture to the baking pan.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
- Cool before serving.
Instant Pot Bacon Chicken Ranch Baked Potato Casserole: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like an impossible task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and endless to-do lists, the last thing I want is to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. That's why I'm always on the lookout for quick, easy, and satisfying recipes that the whole family will love. This Instant Pot Bacon Chicken Ranch Baked Potato Casserole is my new go-to for weeknight meals. It's incredibly versatile, customizable, and best of all, it tastes amazing!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It combines all the comforting flavors of a classic baked potato casserole with the speed and convenience of an Instant Pot. The Instant Pot does the heavy lifting by perfectly cooking the chicken and potatoes, saving me precious time. Then, a quick trip to the oven for the melty cheese topping, and dinner is served! I've found that using pre-cooked, crumbled bacon adds another layer of convenience without sacrificing any flavor. You could easily make your own bacon from scratch if you prefer, but for a weeknight meal, the shortcut is a lifesaver.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, herbs, or spices to create your own unique twist. Adding a handful of chopped broccoli or spinach would boost the nutritional value while adding some extra color and texture. If you're not a fan of ranch seasoning, try using a different seasoning blend, such as Italian seasoning or taco seasoning, to create a completely different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless! This recipe is a testament to how delicious and easy weeknight dinners can be. It's a perfect balance of flavor and convenience, allowing me to spend quality time with my family instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for a little kick.
- Add some veggies: Throw in some chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms during the Instant Pot stage for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before baking for a richer, creamier casserole.
- Use different potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes or russet potatoes both work well in this recipe.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole the day before and bake it when you're ready to eat. Just keep it refrigerated until baking time.
This Instant Pot Bacon Chicken Ranch Baked Potato Casserole is more than just a recipe; it's a time-saver, a flavor-booster, and a weeknight lifesaver. I encourage you to try it and see for yourself how easy and delicious it is. Enjoy!
